SGLI rules change for dual-military couples

May. 10, 2013 - 11:16AM
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Service members married to other service members, or dual-military couples, no longer are automatically enrolled in the Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance program. If they want that coverage, they now must opt in.

Congress made the change because most service members already carry the maximum $400,000 in individual SGLI coverage, which might make Family SGLI coverage for a spouse — requiring the payment of additional monthly premiums — unnecessary for dual-military couples.

The change took effect Jan. 2. Troops married to other troops before that date who were automatically enrolled in Family SGLI are not affected, although they can opt out of that coverage.

For a spouse under age 35, the monthly Family SGLI premium is $5 for the maximum $100,000 in coverage. Premiums rise with the spouse’s age.